Defence guides

How to respond to an environmental offence notice in Portugal

Portugal’s Environmental Offences Framework Law allows 15 working days to submit a written defence following service under Article 49. Check any corrective orders or interim measures, which may have their own deadlines.

What to check in your case

Address each allegation by identifying the installation, operator and permit conditions at the date of inspection. Documents can be filed and up to two witnesses named for each fact, with a maximum of seven overall. Date any evidence of later corrective action. In cases under Article 49-A, applying for a fine reduction does not stop the defence deadline.

Documents for your defence

Full notice or decision, front and back, and evidence of the date of service.

  • Notice, inspection report and technical annexes
  • Permit in force on the inspection date and operating records
  • Test results, dated photographs and evidence of remedial work

Legislation and official sources

Information checked on 7 November 2026.